TRIBUTES were today paid to a Teesside roller hockey star who “lived his life as a model to those around him” and gave 100% to his sport.

Student Andrew McCullagh, of Honister Grove, Acklam, died suddenly on Monday, aged just 20, from a suspected brain haemorrhage.

A member of the Middlesbrough Roller Hockey Club for almost 10 years, he had

played in every age group, winning numerous honours.

His death came as a huge shock to his friends, teammates and family - his mother Sandra, father Paul and sister Jenny.

“For somebody extremely fit and healthy, it just came without warning,” said Mrs McCullagh. Andy was very laid back, happy and easygoing - everybody loved him.

“He had lots of friends and was always into sport.”

Tony Czifra, of Middlesbrough Roller Hockey Club, said: “Andy lived his life as a model to those around him, both as a person and as a hockey player.

“His love for the game was infectious and the sport will truly miss a young man with so much enthusiasm and dedication.”

Andy was in his third year of his Materials Science and Engineering course at Sheffield University, but never missed an opportunity to come home and train.

He enjoyed helping others. He regularly coached younger members and in 2003 he went to Africa to help build schools for children in Kenya.

“Andy played the game at 100%,” said Mr Czifra.

“He was an inspiration to his team mates and would regularly challenge for 70-30 balls he had no right to win, and come out with the ball.”

This summer, Andy scored the winning goal in the 4-3 National Junior Cup Final win over Herne Bay United, and was a key player in Boro’s Senior National League Cup Final win over Manchester in July.

He was a member of Middlesbrough’s “dream team” at schoolboy level, which in 2002 won every single regional and national league and cup match they played that season, resulting in an England squad call-up.

They were honoured as Teesside’s Best Team by The Evening Gazette and Middlesbrough Council, beating all other amateur and professional clubs in the area.

“Andy was all set for another season of hockey and will be deeply missed by all at Middlesbrough and those who knew him in the English hockey world,” said Mr Czifra.

“As roller hockey allows any number on shirts between 1-99, as a mark of respect, Middlesbrough Roller Hockey Club shall be permanently retiring the number seven shirt from the senior squad.

“Our thoughts are with Andy’s family and friends.”

His friend Graeme Stewart added: “Andy Mac, you will be sorely missed mate, words just can’t sum up how devastated we all are.”

The funeral will be held on Wednesday at Teesside Crematorium at 1pm. His family has requested no black is worn.